New Name Creates New Attitude at BC Ranch Golf Club

It was the character of Juliet who asked, “What’s in a name,” in a famous work of literature penned by William Shakespeare. The management at the newly ordained BC Ranch Golf Club in Lake Montezuma is hoping that changing their course’s name is the first step to reminding golfers just how sweet the place is, no matter what it might be called.

Formerly known as Beaver Creek Golf Club, BC Ranch Golf Club lies due south of Sedona and about 90 minutes north of Phoenix in the mountains of northern Arizona. The course is out in the country and has a relaxed, almost bucolic nature surrounding it. Historically, the course has suffered through multiple ownership changes and unstable course conditions, creating a rollercoastertype environment for its visitors.

“The reputation we’ve had was a great layout but questionable conditions,” said Jamey Lewis, Director of Golf at BC Ranch. “It’s a great layout; it was just never in good shape. We have raised the bar and raised the quality of standards. It’s really not a crapshoot anymore for golfers. They know what to expect.”

Lewis says the right people have been put into place and their
attention to detail is creating new standards for excellence at BC
Ranch and an expectation of a consistent level of quality. Money is
also being spent on upgrades to the irrigation system and condos are
springing up around the course. Apparently, people have taken notice.

“What I’m hearing from all our long-time clients is that it’s the best
they’ve ever seen it,” said Lewis.

Prior to construction of the golf course in 1958, the land was used as
a dude ranch and playground for Hollywood’s elite. The ranch was
frequented by the likes of John Wayne, Clark Gable, Al Capone and Betty
Davis, who was rumored to have been married in the clubhouse.

The course has a real Old West feel and was one of the first courses in northern Arizona. While playing to just 6,113 yards, BC Ranch gets its teeth from its
lengthy par-3s which play to 182, 197, 201, 164, 209 and 174 yards
respectively from the back tees.

“It’s a course with character,” said Lewis. “It has very large
century-old cottonwood trees, willow trees and water plays a big role.
It’s a pretty traditional layout, not desert style; more Midwestern
than anything. It’s the par-3s that will really kick you in the rear
end, they’re championship caliber.”